July 4, 2022

Furuno CHIRP Side-Scan operates at a lower frequency than competitors, empowering NavNet TZtouch3 to detect targets at distances over 1,000 feet

Furuno has released new software for their flagship NavNet TZtouch3 Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) that includes numerous features and enhancements, including CHIRP Side-Scan capability. The new 3.01 software is available for the TZT9F, TZT12F, TZT16F, and TZT19F MFDs.

Side-Scan allows boaters to see echoes from port and starboard, showing fish targets, crab pots, and bottom structure in extreme detail. The feature works at a lower frequency than other manufacturers’ side-scan offerings, allowing boaters to see structure at distances of over 1,000 feet off to each side of their vessel. Using Furuno’s CHIRP Side-Scan, fishermen can see detailed images of structure that may hold fish as well as the presence of fish targets around that structure. CHIRP Side-Scan is not limited to a specific type or size of boat. This is a perfect solution whether you want to improve your fishing methods or are just looking for uncharted obstructions to avoid the risk of grounding in shallow areas while cruising.

The software update adds new features to the recently introduced PBG (Personal Bathymetric Generator) functionality of the DFF3D Multibeam Sonar. PBG allows boaters to create shaded-relief bathymetric charts and store them on their MFD. With this software update, they can also display detailed spot soundings on those charts for at-a-glance knowledge of depths. New PBG Synchronization allows PBG recording to start and stop on all MFDs on the network simultaneously, a welcome addition for captains who want to take full advantage of the feature anywhere on the boat. Another new feature of the software’s expanded DFF3D interface is the ability to create a Fish-It waypoint directly from the DFF3D display modes. Furuno’s unique Fish-It & Drift-It feature allows fishermen to create a temporary ‘Fish-It Waypoint’ around promising targets or bottom structure, displaying range rings and a heading line on the chart so they can drift directly over that fishing spot.

The new software also unlocks compatibility with the soon-to-be-introduced DFF3-UHD High-Power TruEcho CHIRP Fish Finder. The DFF3-UHD features 2kW or 3kW power output that transmits across low, medium, and high CHIRP frequencies or common CW frequencies, with max depth scales of 15,000 feet and enhanced fishing/cruising modes.

Other system enhancements include the ability to automatically download NavCenter weather information on power-up, display Trim Tab status in data boxes and on customizable instrument pages, and a new sunlight background color setting for Fish Finders. TZtouch3 Fish Finders can also take advantage of the new Color Range Expansion mode, which helps differentiate fish targets from bottom structure.

These are just a few of the features and system enhancements available in the new software, which can be downloaded for free from their website. Check out this video to see some of the new features in action.

Additionally, Furuno has also released software version 9.01 for their TZT2BB Black Box MFD that packs many of these new features and enhancements into that system. For a complete feature list or to learn more about NavNet TZtouch3, visit Furuno on their website at www.FurunoUSA.com